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Sunday, September 7, 2014

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

In Jonas’ community, children are raised by an assigned set
of parents. They’re given the chance to
try out different career paths, and they’re assigned jobs once they turn twelve
years old. Unlike most of his friends,
Jonas isn’t sure what he wants to do, and he ends up being selected to become
the community’s Receiver of Memory. This
prestigious job requires him to be cut off from most other people except for
his mentor, an old man known as The Giver.
Eventually, Jonas learns the forgotten secrets of his community…as well
as some secrets that were meant to stay buried.

This book’s amazing setting takes place in the future, in a
“utopian” society which is supposed to be perfect in every way. Lying or stealing is not tolerated, and no one
dares to break with the way that things have always been done. When Jonas learns the truth about his
community, though, it seems as if his whole world has turned against him. This remarkable book will have you rooting
for Jonas every step of the way.

An important part of growing up is taking on new roles, and
exploring until you find your own place in the world. But what do you think would happen if you came
to feel like Jonas did, as if you just didn’t fit in with your home, your
school, or your community? Do you think
that you’d be more likely to try to change the things you didn’t agree with, or
would you try to find another place where you’d be more likely to fit in?